Childhood vaccinations: a free information session for those who wish to find out more
When it comes to vaccines, reactions vary widely. Some approach the subject with an open mind, whilst others are wary. And there is a vast grey area, made up of those who, whilst not rejecting vaccinations, harbour questions that have never been fully resolved. These are legitimate doubts, which often intensify when it comes to vaccinating our children: is following the vaccination schedule really necessary? Are vaccines safe for such young children? And where can one find reliable answers amidst the sea of information (and misinformation) flooding the web?
This is the inspiration behind ‘Vaccinating Children: An Informed Choice’, a completely free virtual educational journey that guides parents, grandparents, expectant parents and anyone wishing to explore the topic of childhood vaccinations in greater depth, offering a clear, independent and scientifically grounded reference point.
A journey open to all
No specialist knowledge is required to take part. The journey is designed with everyone in mind, particularly those outside the field: mums and dads navigating their children’s first vaccinations, couples preparing for parenthood, grandparents who want to understand the subject better to support their children, or simply curious individuals wishing to be properly informed.
The language used is accessible, yet the rigour is entirely scientific: each stage of the journey delivers reliable information and practical tools to help you navigate with confidence through the many conflicting voices surrounding vaccines.
Stages along the journey
This seven-stage journey covers all the essential aspects of childhood vaccinations, step by step.
It starts with the basics: what vaccines are, how they protect individual children and the whole community, what types of vaccines exist and how they differ. The national vaccination schedule is explained, along with why booster doses are essential for maintaining immunity over time.
This is followed by answers to the questions that cause the most concern: what checks does a vaccine undergo before being authorised? And afterwards? What are the real contraindications to vaccination?
The journey concludes by providing guidance on where to find reliable and up-to-date information on vaccines, along with a look at the latest developments in scientific research in the field of vaccination.
How to get onboard
Taking part is free of charge and very straightforward: simply register on the Formars platform (www.formars.it) and sign up for the journey ‘Vaccinare bimbi e bimbe: una scelta consapevole’.
The journey is entirely online and open to all: participants can explore the various stages whenever and however they prefer, at their own pace and according to their own interests. At the end of the journey, a certificate of participation will be available directly on the platform.
The first in a long series of journeys
This programme forms part of the COSIsiFA project, promoted and funded by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), which involves 60 centres spread across all Italian regions. The aim of the project is to provide independent information and training on medicines, with a particular focus on four priority areas of Public Health: paediatrics, oncology, antibiotic resistance, chronic conditions and polypharmacy.
And this is just the beginning: COSIsiFA has plans to organise further educational journeys on health and medicines, which will always be free of charge and always based on independent scientific evidence.
The InFarmaco portal
In addition to the educational journeys, the COSIsiFA project runs the InFarmaco portal, where daily updates on medicines, news from scientific research and in-depth articles dedicated to the project’s four areas are published.
Anyone wishing to stay up to date can subscribe to the weekly newsletter and conveniently receive the latest news by email.
At a time when health information travels fast but is not always accurate, being able to rely on trustworthy and independent sources is crucial. So what are you waiting for? Come on board!
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Iconografia in copertina: © Depositphotos
